What is a Dermatologist or Skin Specialist?

Dermatologists are surgically trained doctors, who after completing their medical degree then undertake four more years of training to specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skin diseases and skin cancers. Australian dermatologists spend a lot of time treating diseases caused by sun exposure, particularly sunspots and skin cancers.

Medical and Surgical Dermatology.

Why See a Kippa-Ring Dermatologist?

Acne

Acne is an extremely prevalent and recurring skin condition that usually begins in adolescence. It is believed that acne affects at least 85% of the population at some time during their lives and primarily people aged 15 to 25 are most likely to suffer from acne.

Good news is that acne is completely curable with the correct treatment.

Acne occurs when unwanted oil and dead skin cells block the opening of your skin pores, which allows for bacteria to grow. Your associated oil (sebaceous) glands end up being blocked and inflamed. Pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and infected pus-filled spots develop on the face, neck, back and chest because this is the place oil glands are biggest and most active.

Acne can be uncomfortable, disfiguring and painful. If the area continues to become infected then bigger, redder, deeper and irritated nodules or cysts may develop and bring about scarring on your face, chest or back (keloid scarring).

Wash the face with warm water and a soft face cloth (with a mild soap if desired) to get rid of oil. If this leaves the face still feeling oily, an over-the-counter acne wash or cleanser that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be helpful.

Stay clear of abrasive scrubs, toners, and cleansers.

Avoid squeezing and picking pimples as this irritates inflamed lesions and is more likely to lead to scarring.

Avoid hot, humid areas and tight clothing in acne prone areas.

Follow a well-balanced, low GI diet mixed with regular exercise.

Avoid smoking.

At Skinn Clinics we understand that acne is something you don’t want to wait weeks and months to sort out.

Kippa-Ring Acne Clinic

We have now introduced new acne clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday where you can be seen with minimal waiting time.

Perfect for teenagers and adults alike. You don’t need to make a big deal about it, see our experienced and confidential dermatologists and find out about the latest treatment options and overall health and lifestyle factors, providing you the very best methods to get rid of your acne right now. Focusing on the face, shoulder and back acne.

Ask your GP for a referral to our clinic and contact reception to book an appointment time! Medicare rebates available.

Light microdermabrasion, chemical peels or laser and light systems may help mild acne. Fractional laser resurfacing and dermal fillers are used to treat scarring. Skin needling can also be effective in the treatment of acne scars, which break down scar tissue and stimulates the formation of new collagen.

Melanoma.

Melanoma is a form of cancer that originates from the melanocytes, the cells in the skin that create the skin pigment and cause freckles, moles and give you your suntan.

Melanoma can occur anyplace on the skin, even the soles of the feet. They develop quickly, and if not dealt with, they may spread to the lower layers of skin where cells can escape and be transported to other parts of the body or lymph vessels, this is called metastasis.

The main cause of melanoma and other skin cancers is exposure to UV radiation from the sun and other sources, such as solariums and tanning beds. Having other family members impacted by melanoma also increases your risk of melanoma as the problem can be inherited. Australians have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

Melanomas can vary greatly in the way they look. The primary sign of melanoma is usually a change in an existing freckle or mole or the appearance of a new spot.

If melanomas are removed at an early stage, they are totally curable.

Eczema and Dermatitis.

The most common type of eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disorder that causes very dry and itchy patches of skin when the skin loses its moisture. These patches can be anywhere on the body but are mostly on the lower and upper limbs. Without moisture, the skin ends up being weak and can’t provide a protective barrier for the body. Skin becomes very easily aggravated and responds with a dry rash in the weak areas.

Why people get eczema is still unclear, however, research has found that it is hereditary and that people who have eczema often have other allergic conditions, like hayfever and asthma.

There are other types of eczema including discoid eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and eczema craquèle.

These conditions can be managed and the symptoms relieved through the use of topical treatments, antihistamines and avoiding ‘triggers.’.

Helpful Advice for Treating Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Stay clear of likely triggers such as wool or synthetic fibers, dust and dust mites, pollens, and cosmetics and sometimes food allergies.

Use a non-soap cleanser or Sorbolene cream when you bathe. Hydrate your skin immediately after bathing. Use a moisteriser or ointment.

Use a moisturizer every time you wash your hands.

Psoriasis.

This is where your immune system becomes overactive and attacks your skin. Which essentially attacks the skin causing inflammation.

Psoriasis often appears with dry, red, scaly skin patches. However, it can come in many different forms and affect any part of your skin and nails. This condition most commonly appears on your knees, elbows and scalp.

There are many treatment solutions for psoriasis. As a result of new and amazing research, new procedures that achieve great results are now available. Severe psoriasis is now becoming a thing of the past.

Sun Damage.

UVA rays, also know as Ultraviolet A light, penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin known as the dermis and are the cause of the noticeable indicators of ageing and skin damage.

These wavelengths don’t cause sunburn but do have an effect on our immune system locally in the skin, and can result in developing skin cancer.

UVA rays also damage the elastic collagen skin tissues, leading to aging of the skin, wrinkling, and colour changes. It is, therefore, important to use a sunscreen which effectively blocking these UVA rays, preventing skin cancer and minimizing aging signs of the skin.

UVB rays, known as Ultraviolet B, penetrate right into the upper layers of the skin known as the epidermis causing the skin to burn.

The importance of reducing exposure to UVB rays is that these wavelengths damage the DNA in our skin cells, and therefore predispose to the development of skin cancer.

The majority of sunscreens in today’s market are quite effective at screening the UVB component of sunlight. However, it is still possible to burn even though you faithfully apply sunscreen, as UV still reaches the skin. UVA C rays are blocked by the ozone layer.

Helpful Tips When Avoiding Sunburn:

Remember the sun’s waves are greatest throughout the middle of the day.

Seek shade where possible.

Clothing is better at blocking UV than sunscreen. So wear protective clothing and accessories.

Always apply sunscreen regularly.

More expensive sunscreen doesn’t mean more effective.

Zinc and titanium are very successful in blocking UVA and UVB, and these sunscreens may be combined with chemical blockers or be the single active agent in the sunscreen eg. Clear Zinc.

Skin Cancers.

Our bodies are constantly making new cells, sometimes something goes wrong with this process and cells grow in an uncontrolled way. This uncontrolled growth may result in a lump called a tumour.

Tumours can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumour is made up of cancer cells.

The three most common types of skin cancer are Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)– Are usually red, red-white or pearly in colour and may bleed. They don’t usually hurt or itch. This kind of skin cancer tends to grow slowly and doesn’t generally spread to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated BCCs will get bigger and progress deeper into the skin and damage neighboring tissue. This may make treatment more difficult and increases the chance of the skin cancer coming back.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)– May occur as thickened red scaly spots, which later may bleed easily or be tender to touch. They can look like a sore that hasn’t healed. SCCs tend to grow quickly over several months and can spread to other parts of the body.

More recent procedures for some types of pre-cancers or early cancers include different anti-cancer creams, although most cancers will need to be removed by surgery to be cured.

The sooner you seek treatment for a skin cancer, the more likely is the chance of full cure and better cosmetic outcome from treatment.

Other Dermatology Clinics:

As well as our specialists and dermatologist Kippa-Ring, we also service Aspley, South Brisbane, and Mt Gravatt . Your local Kippa-Ring doctors provide dermatologist in Brisbane including Boondall, Rothwell, Margate, Redcliffe and Scarborough, Sandgate, Clontarf, Woody Point,Brighton, Deagon, Northgate, Nudgee, Fitzgibbon and Shorncliffe QLD areas.

Book an appointment
with our Kippa-Ring Dermatologist and Skin Specialist today